Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'unfurl'

English Word: unfurl

Key Russian Translations:

• развернуть [/rəzvʲɪrˈnutʲ/] - [Formal, used in contexts like ceremonies or sailing]
• распустить [/rəspuˈsʲitʲ/] - [Informal, particularly for flags or fabrics]

Frequency: Medium - This verb is commonly encountered in descriptive or narrative contexts but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: B1 - Intermediate level per CEFR, as it requires understanding of verb conjugations and perfective aspects; for "распустить," it may vary to A2 if used in simpler forms.

Pronunciation (Russian):

развернуть: /rəzvʲɪrˈnutʲ/

распустить: /rəspuˈsʲitʲ/

Note on развернуть: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nutʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'tʲ' sound; a common variant in rapid speech may soften the initial 'r'.

Note on распустить: Pay attention to the 'sʲ' sound, which is softer and more hissed than in English; this verb often has regional variations in pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To open or unfold something that is rolled up, such as a flag, sail, or map

Translation(s) & Context:

• развернуть - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as military or nautical settings, to imply a deliberate action of unfolding.
• распустить - Applied in more casual or metaphorical scenarios, like unfolding fabric or symbolizing release, often in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Солдаты развернули флаг на параде.

  The soldiers unfurled the flag during the parade.

• Капитан распустил паруса, чтобы поймать ветер.

  The captain unfurled the sails to catch the wind.

• Она развернула старую карту, чтобы показать маршрут.

  She unfurled the old map to show the route.

• В музее распустили древний свиток для демонстрации.

  In the museum, they unfurled the ancient scroll for display.

• Дети развернули подарок с большим энтузиазмом.

  The children unfurled the gift with great enthusiasm.

To metaphorically expand or reveal something hidden

Translation(s) & Context:

• развернуть - In figurative use, for revealing ideas or plans, often in professional or literary contexts.
• распустить - Less common metaphorically, but can imply loosening or expanding, such as in emotional expressions.

Usage Examples:

• Оратор развернул свою речь, объясняя сложные концепции.

  The speaker unfurled his speech, explaining complex concepts.

• Художник распустил холст, чтобы нарисовать пейзаж.

  The artist unfurled the canvas to paint the landscape.

• В переговорах они развернули план сотрудничества.

  In negotiations, they unfurled a plan for collaboration.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "развернуть" and "распустить" are verbs in Russian, with "развернуть" being perfective and its imperfective counterpart "развертывать." "Распустить" is also perfective, with imperfective "распускать." Russian verbs inflect based on tense, aspect, person, number, and gender. Below is a table for key conjugations of "развернуть" (perfective) and "распустить."

These verbs do not have irregular inflections but follow standard patterns for first-conjugation verbs. Note the gender agreement in past tense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • раскатать - Often used for rolling out dough or maps, with a slight emphasis on flattening.
  • расправить - Implies smoothing out wrinkles while unfolding, common in clothing contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • свернуть - To roll up or fold, directly opposite in action.
  • сложить - To fold or pack away, used for compacting items.

Related Phrases:

• Развернуть парус - To unfurl the sail; used in nautical contexts to describe preparing for wind.
• Распустить волосы - To let down one's hair; metaphorically means to relax or become informal.
• Развернуть знамя - To unfurl the banner; common in historical or ceremonial events, symbolizing unity.

Usage Notes:

• "Развернуть" is the more precise translation for "unfurl" in literal senses, especially for flags or sails, and is preferred in formal writing due to its perfective aspect, which emphasizes completion.
• "Распустить" may carry a connotation of loosening or dispersing, so choose it for contexts involving fabric or emotional release, but avoid it for strict unfolding actions.
• In Russian, aspect (perfective vs. imperfective) is crucial; use imperfective forms like "развертывать" for ongoing actions.
• Be mindful of gender and number in past tense conjugations to match the subject.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "развернуть" with "распустить" - Learners might use "распустить" for flags, leading to incorrect nuance (e.g., Incorrect: "Они распустили флаг" implying disassembly; Correct: "Они развернули флаг" for proper unfurling). Explanation: "Развернуть" focuses on unfolding without implying separation.
• Neglecting aspect - Using the perfective "развернуть" for ongoing actions (e.g., Incorrect: "Я развернул флаг весь день" should be "Я развертывал флаг весь день"). Explanation: Perfective verbs like this are for completed actions, so pair with appropriate context.
• Wrong gender agreement - Saying "я развернула" for a male speaker (e.g., Incorrect: Male saying "я развернула"; Correct: "я развернул"). Explanation: Past tense verbs agree with the subject's gender in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, unfurling flags or banners, such as during parades or national holidays like Victory Day, symbolizes pride and historical resilience. The act of "развернуть знамя" often evokes Soviet-era traditions, reflecting themes of unity and patriotism, which can add emotional depth to its usage in literature or media.

Related Concepts:

• свернуть
• сложить
• расправить
• парус